Physical security for IT: 5 essentials to look for

IT teams are now key players in physical security decisions—and for good reason. As security systems become more connected, cloud-enabled, and data-driven, the lines between physical and cybersecurity are blurring fast. 

5 things IT expects from a physical security vendor 

Today, choosing a new access control system, video management system, or network-connected device isn’t just a facilities call—it’s an IT decision. If you're leading enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, or digital transformation initiatives, the physical security stack is part of your world now. 

Here’s what IT teams should look for in an enterprise-grade physical security solution. 

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Open architecture and open standards that play nice with IT

Unlike closed, proprietary systems that box you into specific hardware or limit your ability to integrate, Genetec™ Security Center and Genetec Security Center SaaS are built on open architecture. 

That means: 

✓ Support for Active Directory, Entra ID, LDAP, and Single Sign-On (SSO) 

✓ RESTful APIs and SDKs for integration with HR systems, identity platforms, building automation systems, and more 

✓ Interoperability with industry standards like ONVIF 

✓ Flexibility to use a wide variety of third-party cameras, access control hardware, and sensors 

Why it matters: You don’t have time to rip and replace everything or manage 5 different systems that don’t talk to each other. We can help you build a best-of-breed system on your terms. 

Cybersecurity that’s built-in, not bolted on

Security starts with software. But too often, enterprise physical security systems are treated as isolated islands with weak cyber hygiene. At Genetec, we do things differently. Physical security systems have become more like IT systems. And so, it makes sense to bring cybersecurity best practices from the IT world into physical security.

We design and maintain our software according to secure development best practices. Here’s how we help IT teams manage risk: 

✓ End-to-end encryption of data at rest and in transit 

✓ Support for least-privilege access, role-based access control (RBAC), and multi-factor authentication (MFA) 

✓ Vulnerability management and regular patching, backed by proactive threat monitoring 

✓ Compliance with international standards and regulations, including ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 27017, SOC 2 Type II, and more 

✓ System hardening tools and deployment checklists for secure implementation

✓ Password management and rotation policies that align with IT standards 

✓ Certificate lifecycle management tools to ensure trusted, up-to-date authentication between systems  

Reusing the cybersecurity tools, tactics, and procedures known to IT security professionals helps them be more efficient and harmonizes the management of IT and OT systems. 

Why it matters: You can’t afford to treat physical security endpoints as blind spots. With Genetec, physical security becomes part of your cybersecurity ecosystem. 

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Flexible enterprise deployment that fits your architecture

Some departments want the speed and simplicity of cloud. Others require on-premises control for compliance or network performance reasons. We give you the flexibility to choose or blend both. 

We support: 

✓ Fully cloud-based deployments for access control (ACaaS), video surveillance (VSaaS), and license plate recognition 

✓ On-premises or private cloud installations, including support for air-gapped environments 

✓ Hybrid cloud architectures, where critical functions remain on-site but are managed centrally 

✓ Edge enablement with Genetec cloud-managed appliances allows secure device connectivity without exposing your network 

Why it matters: You don’t need to choose between cloud and control. Genetec physical security solutions are designed to fit your infrastructure—not force you to change it. This means your cloud migration strategy stays on track, on your terms. Move at your own pace, with the flexibility and confidence your team needs. 

A unified platform with a single pane of glass

Instead of stitching together siloed systems, Genetec Security Center unifies video surveillance, access control, ALPR, intrusion detection, and more into one platform. 

One platform gives IT teams: 

✓ Centralized monitoring and control 

✓ Consolidated audit logs and reporting tools 

✓ Cross-system automation and alerting 

✓ Better resilience, easier updates, and consistent policy enforcement 

The result? Reduced complexity, lower risk, and a more coherent approach to security across your organization. 

Why it matters: A single-vendor, unified platform helps minimize attack surfaces, simplifies management, and supports your broader IT strategy.

Better collaboration between IT and physical security teams

According to The State of Physical Security Report, over 50 percent of IT teams are now directly involved in physical security decisions. The convergence of cybersecurity and physical security is here. 

With Genetec, your IT and security teams can: 

✓ Share data and dashboards 

✓ Enforce consistent access policies 

✓ Improve incident response through shared alerts and workflows 

Our physical security solutions act as a bridge, not a barrier, between technical teams and security operations. 

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Why Genetec? 

In today’s hybrid world, your physical security platform needs to be as secure, scalable, and innovative as the rest of your IT infrastructure: 

✓ Built for integration 

✓ Proven cybersecurity maturity 

✓ Flexible deployment options 

✓ Unified, scalable architecture 

✓ Global leader in enterprise video and access control software 

We’re not just a physical security vendor. We’re a strategic partner for IT and physical security teams navigating digital transformation, operational risk, and compliance in a complex world.